A coffee farmer and workers drying beans.

Improving African product quality – expanding trade

Alliance for Product Quality in Africa (AfCFTA module)

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  • Client

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Runtime

    2023 to 2026

  • Products and expertise

    Economic development and employment

Two people filling bowls and glasses with coffee beans.

Context

In order for goods to be imported into the European Union or traded within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), they must meet statutory quality and consumer protection standards. In addition, many international and regional importers require adherence to voluntary environmental and social standards.

African products often fail to meet these standards or lack the necessary certification. Although there is strong international demand for African fruit, tea and textiles, for example, many producers only sell their products on national markets. Despite low production costs, they are thus not utilising the opportunities to participate in Africa-wide and global trade, create new jobs and achieve higher profits.

Objective

Product quality has increased in selected economic sectors and locations in Africa.

A farmer sitting among coffee plants.

Approach

The project is part of the Alliance for Product Quality in Africa. It implements activities with German, European and African companies, business associations and other development cooperation stakeholders. Among other services, the project offers training for African companies, in cooperation with business associations, in order to implement quality standards or introduce quality control systems in businesses. It also provides support and advice on certification for African producers which manufacture goods with export potential. One priority in this context is promoting regional trade, including in cooperation with public and private export promotion programmes.

Last update: January 2024

Additional information

Project

A coffee farmer and workers drying beans

Quality generates trade

GIZ worldwide

Portrait photo of an African woman

Africa

Background

A map of Africa with labelled countries

African Union